Wes Bentley, Vinessa Shaw Drama Lands U.S. Distribution, New Title

Entertainment One Films has acquired North American distribution rights to Oscar nominee Saar Klein’s drama “After the Fall,” which stars Wes Bentley, Vinessa Shaw and Jason Isaacs, the company announced Wednesday.

Previously titled “Things People Do,” the film is slated for a day-and-date theatrical and VOD release on Dec. 12.

Klein wrote the script with Joe Conway, and the film was produced by Sarah Green, Hans Graffunder and Christos V. Konstantakopoulos. Executive producers include Nicolas Gonda, Michael Macs, Ryan Rettig, Kurt Billick, David Klein and Doug Liman.

“After the Fall” premiered at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival and garnered Klein’s directorial debut a nomination for the Best First Feature Award. The movie also won the special 40th Anniversary Award at the Deauville Film Festival in September. The film will next screen at the 2014 Mill Valley Film Festival on Oct. 11 and 12.

“After the Fall” stars Bentley as Bill Scanlin, who loses his job and embarks on a life of crime. As Bill stays ahead of the law, he discovers that sometimes the only thing worse than getting caught is getting away with it.

“In ‘After the Fall,’ Klein exhibits a masterful ability to explore the ethical grey area that results when family, pride and financial security are put on the line. By harnessing subversive restraint, evocative imagery and the immense talent of his cast, he has crafted a film that is sure to make audiences think,” said Berry Meyerowitz, eOne’s president of U.S. film and distribution.

“I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with two incredibly talented actors, Wes Bentley and Jason Isaacs, who balanced each other perfectly. They created great tension, while allowing the intelligence and complexity of their characters to come through. It is thrilling that eOne Films understands our vision, and we are proud to partner with them to distribute the movie to a wide audience,” said Klein.

The deal was negotiated for eOne Films by Katharyn Howe, manager of acquisitions, with Linzee Troubh of Cinetic Media on behalf of the filmmakers.

eOne acquired Phase 4 Films in June, which united the two independent film distribution leaders in North America under eOne. The acquisition brings Phase 4’s strong network of key U.S. VOD, digital and retail partners, as well as its expertise in home entertainment, cable, telecommunications, satellite and digital platforms, into the eOne wheelhouse.